Overcoming LustSample

Stay in the Light

Have you ever flipped on a light switch, perhaps in your garage or basement, only to see mice or cockroaches or creepy-crawlies scurrying away?

They were surprised by you, and you were surprised by them!

The light scatters them, sending them running for cover. They wouldn’t normally be out in the light—they choose to come out under cover of darkness, preferring the safety of being hidden in the shadows. Light is not something they like, and they quickly flee for dimmer quarters.

Our verse today states that God has called us out of darkness and into the light. We walk and live in the light of Christ’s salvation and revelation by His Word (Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:7).

As we discussed yesterday, when it comes to lust, men take a first step by confessing their sins—this brings the issue into the light. Satan and sin thrive in the darkness, but, as the old saying goes, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” Much of the enemy’s power is scattered by bringing our sin out into the open.

But we need help to keep it there.

Since Adam’s fall, sin has brought us a feeling of shame, and like Adam, we want to pull away from God and others (Genesis 3:10). When it comes to overcoming lust, we need not just to confess our sins but submit to regular accountability with a trustworthy person.

This can be as simple as regularly checking in with a brother in the Lord and asking each other how we’ve been doing in this area. It could happen with a wife or with a larger group of guys. It might include something like accountability software on your devices, and it could involve routinely connecting with your pastor or a leader in your church.

Knowing that someone will ask you, “Have you looked at anything inappropriate online since I saw you last?” or “How has your thought life been in this area?” or even “Is there anything I need to know that you haven’t told me?” is a helpful deterrent.

Beyond that, you also have someone you trust who is praying for you in this area, standing with you and fighting with you through it.

Every man needs a confession partner, and every man needs ongoing accountability. When we combine these two, we have great tools to help us overcome lust.

Prayer: Lord, I want to walk in the light and remain in the light. Help me be honest and authentic with my confession partner(s), and strengthen me as I do. Amen.

Reflection: What is the hardest part about being authentic with another person about our sin? What are some things that can be done about that?